California Life & Health Insurance 12 - Insurance Regulation

Who is an insurance agent?

A person authorized to sell, solicit, and negotiate insurance contracts.

If the Commissioner/Superintendent finds a licensee engaging in an unfair method of competition or an unfair practice, what order will be issued?

Cease and Desist Order

What are agents/producers required to do in order to renew their license?

Complete continuing education hours and pay a renewal fee.

If a producer makes maliciously critical statements about another insurer, what is this illegal practice called?

Defamation

Two individuals who are in the same risk and age class are charged different rates for their insurance policies due to an insignificant factor. What is this called?

Discrimination

For what reason can a temporary license be issued?

For continuation of business in case the licensed producer dies or becomes disabled.

What is controlled business?

Insurance on the producer's own life or property, or the lives or property of the producer's family or business associates.

Who can usually be granted a temporary license?

Producer's spouse or designee in case the licensed producer dies or becomes disabled.

What type of licensee represents the insurance company?

The Agent

Who must be notified of a producer's change of address?

The Department of Insurance (Commissioner/Director/Superintendent)

When is controlled business legal?

When the commissions from controlled business do not exceed the aggregate commissions on all the other business (specific limits may vary from state to state).

Who is considered a nonresident agent?

An agent who resides and is licensed in another state, but who is authorized to transact insurance in this state.

An agent offers a client free tickets to a sporting event in exchange for the purchase of an insurance policy. What is the agent guilty of?

Rebating

When can the Commissioner or Director examine insurers?

Whenever deemed necessary, but at least once every few years (please check your state regulations for specific time requirement).

Who must be a member of insurance guaranty associations?

Any authorized insurer within a state.

If an insurer holds a Certificate of Authority, it is known as what type of insurer?

Authorized or Admitted

If an insurer meets the state's financial requirements and is approved to transact business in the state, it is considered what type of insurer?

Authorized or Admitted

What type of licensee represents the insured?

Broker

The requirement that agents must account for and promptly remit all insurance funds collected is known as what type of agent responsibility?

Fiduciary Reponsibility

In general, who can be excluded from producer licensing and examination requirements?

Insurance company officers, directors, or any other employees who do not transact insurance and who do not receive commissions for their services (usually, their responsibilities include administrative, executive, or clerical duties).

On its advertisement, a company claims that it has funds in its possession that are, in fact, not available for the payment of losses or claims. What is the company guilty of?

Misrepresentation

What illegal act does a producer commit when the producer represents a policy in a more favorable light than the policy really is?

Misrepresentation

Can insurers advertise the existence of the guaranty association during solicitation and sale of insurance policies?

No, advertising of the existence of the guaranty association for the purposes of solicitation and sale of insurance policies by insurers is an illegal business practice.

Who is responsible for the costs associated with the examination of insurers?

The insurer who is being examined.

To whom may a certificate of authority be issued?

To an insurer authorized to transact business in this state.

What is the purpose of a cease and desist order?

To prevent a producer or insurer from further violating laws for transacting insurance.

What is the purpose of insurance guaranty associations?

To protect policyowners, insureds, and beneficiaries from financial losses caused by insolvent insurers.

Who may share in the commission from the sale of a life insurance policy?

Only producers properly licensed for the type of insurance transaction.

What type of misrepresentation persuades an insured, to his or her detriment, to cancel, lapse, or switch policies from one to another?

Twisting